Footwear with GPS

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a locator unit contained within footwear providing a method for GPS position determination and transmission of said location determination data to a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications, land based wire systems and the Internet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO MULTIPLE REISSUE APPLICATIONS

Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissueof U.S. Pat. No. 6,788,200. The reissue applications are applicationnumbers 0082 - 011R2 (the present application), 0082 - 011R1, 0082 -011R3, and 0082 - 011R4.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to footwear and, morespecifically, to a locator unit contained within footwear providing amethod for GPS position determination and transmission of said locationdetermination data to a central monitoring station which disseminatesthe data through the use of proprietary software and the Internet.

The footwear in the preferred embodiment contains the electroniccircuitry in the mid sole of the shoe having GPS location determinationunit and transponder whereby a remote location can determine theposition of the wearer of said footwear having said device.

Furthermore, the present invention provides for additional elements byhaving the GPS unit and transponder contained within a socket positionedwithin the heel of the shoe.

The location component can be selectively inserted and or removed fromthe midsole or heel.

The socket in the midsole is comprised of a throughbore having spacedapart sidewalls and a top wall having retaining means positioned on eachsidewall.

The heel socket is comprised of spaced apart sidewalls, top wall, a backwall and frontal aperture with the location of the socket preferably inthe instep or heel of the shoe.

The insertable removable component has means for engaging the sidewallsof the receptacle and closure means for securing the component withinsaid receptacle. Furthermore, the component can form a compartment forthe inclusion of a GPS receiver and transponder for locating the wearerof said shoes.

The present invention provides for another additional element whereinthe position determination component is contained within the tongue ofthe footwear.

In addition, to the electronic circuitry being embedded in the tongue ofthe shoe the antenna can be contained within a logo prominently placedon the tongue of the shoe which will increase the effectiveness of thedevice.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for anunobtrusive concealed locator device contained within the body of theshoe, it additionally provides for the attachment of a positioningdetermining device and transponder for transmitting the location data ondemand in a module that can be releasably attached to the exterior ofthe shoe by means of the shoelaces or hook and loop material to the backof the footwear.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are other receptacles designed for footwear. Typical of these isU.S. Pat. No. 1,597,823 issued to Randolph on Aug. 31, 1926.

Another patent was issued to Agrillo on Aug. 28, 1956 as U.S. Pat. No.2,760,278. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 2,897,609 was issued to Bodkin onAug. 4, 1959 and still yet another was issued on Oct. 27, 1987 toDassler as U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,445.

Another patent was issued to Ormanns et al. on Sep. 26, 1989 as U.S.Pat. No. 4,870,700. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,518 was issued toHaber et al. on Dec. 5, 1995. Another was issued to Goldston et al. onFeb. 15, 1994 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,586 and still yet another wasissued on Sep. 17, 1996 to Musa as U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,259.

Another patent was issued to McCarthy on Nov. 12, 1996 as U.S. Pat. No.5,574,432. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,316 was issued to Huang onAug. 12, 1997. Another was issued to Ingargiola et al. on May 5, 1998 asU.S. Pat. No. 5,748,087 and still yet another was issued on Oct. 26,1999 to Inman as U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,631.

Another patent was issued to Robinson on Jan. 11, 2000 as U.S. Pat. No.6,012,822. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,080 was issued to Layson, Jr.on Jan. 11, 2000. Another was issued to James on Jun. 19, 2001 as U.S.Pat. No. 6,247,251.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,597,823 Inventor: Simon Randolph Issued: Aug. 31, 1926

In combination with a shoe including a heel section formed with anopening extending longitudinally of the shoe and opening at the frontand rear walls of the heel, a lining disposed in said opening andincluding a rear wall for closing the opening at the rear of the heel, aself-contained electrically operated illuminating means disposedinwardly of the lining in a manner whereby the light rays therefrom willproject from the opening at the front of the heel, normally spaced apartcontact arms disposed inwardly of the rear wall of the lining, and meanscarried by the rear wall of the lining, and means carried by the realwall of the lining for moving the contact arms into engagement with oneanother for completing the circuit through the illuminating means.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,760,278 Inventor: Paul Agrillo Issued: Aug. 28, 1956

A shoe, the combination which comprises a sole, an upper mounted on thesole, a heel supporting the rear portion of the sole in an elevatedposition, a wearing sole covering and secured to the lower surface ofthe heel and extended forwardly to a point spaced from the toe, saidwearing sole being secured to the lower surface of the forward portionof the shoe and the heel portion being flush with side surfaces of theheel of the shoe, a wedge-shaped pad positioned in and substantiallyfilling the area between the forward surface of the heel and point ofintersection of the lower surface of the sole of the shoe and uppersurface of the wearing sole, said wedge-shaped pad having asubstantially semi-spherical opening in the intermediate part, asubstantially hemispherical balancing element with a vertically disposedopening therethrough positioned in the hemispherical opening of the pad,and a coil spring positioned in the opening of the balancing element andextended from the sole of the shoe to the inner surface of the wearingsole.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,897,609 Inventor: Lawrence E. Bodkin Issued: Aug. 4,1959

A shoe having a sole member including an integral heel portion, anarcuate guard element affixed to the heel portion of said sole memberand depending therefrom and forming therewith a walled socket having anopening, a movable heel member fitting said socket, said movable heelmember having a forward end and a rearward end, a hinge attaching saidforward end to said sole member, said opening being positioned andproportioned to pass said movable member into and out of said socket assaid movable member is swung on said hinge, releasable friction catchmeans carried by and disposed within said socket and cooperative catchmeans when said movable member is in housed position in said socket,said catch means being disposed spaced from the axis of said hinge, saidmovable member having a surface portion engaging a portion of the wallof said socket and having a storage chamber opening through said surfaceportion and normally closed by said socket wall portion when saidmovable ember is housed in said socket and accessible when said movablemember is swung from said socket.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,445 Inventor: Armin A. Dassler Issued: Oct. 27, 1987

An athletic shoe system for running disciplines and a process foremitting and or exchanging information concerning movement factors ofrunning disciplines enabling the athlete to always be sufficientlyinformed regarding his her training program that is in progress orcompleted. In particular, in an area of the sole that is less stressedduring use, at least one free space is provided where a transmitter ishoused which, via a sensor provided in the sole, can emit at least oneoutput signal. In accordance with preferred embodiments, a transmitterin a first shoe of a pair of shoes receives the signals from the sensorand transmits emissions in correspondence with their receipt. Thetransmitted emissions are received by a remote receiver, that is linkedwith a computer, and the remote receiver receives the transmittedemissions directly from the transmitter of the first shoe and indirectlyvia a receiver and transmitter of a second shoe of the pair. Thecomputer determines the distance between the first and second shoes, onthe basis of the delay between receipt by the remote receiver of thedirectly and indirectly received emissions, as well as othercharacteristic values related to stride rate or length.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,700 Inventor: Siegfried Ormanns Issued: Sep. 26,1989

The personal safety radio device is carried by the person to beprotected on a mounting device, for instance incorporated in the heel ofa work shoe, and includes a transmitter powered by a current sourcespecific to the device, a receiver and an antenna arrangement. In orderto ensure a high operational reliability and a long maintenance-freeservice life at a high range of transmission the device- specificcurrent source is a rechargeable accumulator which may be charged by agenerator arrangement including a piezo-electric converter during theoperational usage of the device. The piezo-electric converter is soarranged in the work shoe that it is acted on by the weight of theperson wearing the work shoe and thus converts the pressure of theweight into electrical energy.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,518 Inventor: Terry M. Haber Issued: Dec. 5, 1995

A flashing light housing that is adapted to be removably attached to therear (i.e. heel) of any shoe, such as, for example, a sneaker, sportshoe, training shoe, or the like, without requiring factory alterationsto the shoe. A manually accessible light control switch is operable bythe wearer to selectively control the energization of a flashing lightsource that is carried at the interior of the housing. An attachmenthook extends from the housing to fit over the top of and around the heelof the shoe, whereby the housing will be suspended from the heel. Aresilient attachment band is connected to and extends outwardly and inopposite directions from the flashing light housing. The attachment bandis adapted to be fastened to the sole of the shoe at each of a firstside and an opposite side thereof, whereby to hold the housing againstthe heel. By virtue of the foregoing, the flashing light housing ischaracterized by a large viewing area that is easily visible toon-lookers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,586 Inventor: Mark R. Goldston et al. Issued: Feb.15, 1994

An athletic shoe (20) includes a sole (22), an upper (25), and a tongue(26), as well as fasteners (28), such as shoelaces. Incorporated intothe sole (22) of the athletic shoe (20) is a receptacle (30) forreceiving and retaining a plug-in module (32) in a slide-in, releasablylocking arrangement. The plug-in module (32) preferably includes abattery (62), a light emitting device (54), and electrical circuitelements (58, 60, 72) arranged to selectively connect the battery (62)to the light emitting device (54).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,259 Inventor: John S. Musa Issued: Sep. 17, 1996

A proximity alert and direction indicator is provided that allows anobserver to monitor the proximity of a subject under surveillance,particularly a child. The subject wears a transmitter removably attachedto the shoe. The observer wears a receiver-containing bracelet. Thereceiver contains a proximity detector with threshold set that emits anaudible sound when the distance between the subject and the observerexceeds some preset distance. The receiver also contains a directionfinder with graphic display that shows the observer the direction to thesubject.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,432 Inventor: Steven R. McCarthy Issued: Nov. 12,1996

An apparatus attachable to a shoe for deploying a rescue signal includesa base attachable to a rear section of a conventional shoe. The basecomprises straps coupled to a lower extent thereof and extendedhorizontally therefrom. The strips each have a plurality of buttonscoupled thereto. The base also comprises a slot formed on an top surfacethereof. Also included is a restraining unit adapted to secure about anupper extent of the shoe. The restraining unit comprises an annular bandadapted to slidably insert within the slot of the base. The restrainingunit further includes a pair of generally triangular members attached tothe band and extended downwardly therefrom. The triangular members eachhave a plurality of buttonholes coupleable to the buttons disposed onthe strips of the base. A metal rod is adapted to insert within alateral bore formed in a heel of the shoe and further within a pair ofapertures formed in the strips. Finally, a signaling mechanism situatedwithin the base deploys a rescue signal upon the manual activationthereof or upon the failure to respond to an alarm adapted to indicatethe cessation of a predetermined amount of time.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,316 Inventor: Tien-Tsai Huang Issued: Aug. 12, 1997

A shoe including a shoe body having an outsold and an upper fastened tothe outsole; an insole formed as an air bag filled with air and mountedwithin the outsole; a pressure inductor connected to the insole todetect the pressure applied to the insole; a circuit board mounted inthe insole and consisting of a pressure converter and a microprocessor,the pressure converter converting the pressure detected by the pressureinductor into a frequency signal to be processed by the microprocessorso that the microprocessor obtains a value corresponding to the pressureapplied to the insole; and a liquid crystal display connected to themicroprocessor to display the value obtained by the microprocessor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,087 Inventor: Ingargiola et al. Issued: May 5, 1998

Articles of footwear incorporating one or more sliding elements aredescribed. Such articles include shoes, sandals, boots, and appliancesfor attachment to any or all of the foregoing. In addition to servingthe traditional functions of footwear lacking such sliding elements,such footwear can be used for recreational “grinding,” or sliding acrosshard surfaces having edges, corners, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,631 Inventor: David G. Inman Issued: Oct. 26, 1999

Articles of footwear incorporating one or more sliding elements aredescribed. Such articles include shoes, sandals, boots, and appliancesfor attachment to any or all of the foregoing. In addition to servingthe traditional functions of footwear lacking such sliding elements,such footwear can be used for recreational “grinding,” or sliding acrosshard surfaces having edges, corners, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,822 Inventor: William J. Robinson Issued: Jan. 11,2000

A light flasher for an article of apparel includes one or more lampsthat produce light visible from the exterior of the apparel. A switch,which may be of the mechanical or electronic variety, causes a switchclosure responsive to motion of the apparel. A circuit, attached to theswitch and the light, causes the lights to illuminate in a series ofrandom duration flashes for a predefined time interval in response tothe closure of the switch.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,080 Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr. Issued: Jan. 11,2000

Tamper resistant body-worn tracking device to be worn by offenders orpotential victims for use in a wireless communication system receivingsignals from a global positioning system (GPS). The tracking devicedirectly communicates spatial coordinates to multiple remote sites. Thetracking device is an enclosed case worn on a limb of a person. The casecontains a battery, a signaling device, and a circuit board containing afield programmable gate array, a wireless data modem, a conventional GPSreceiver, and a matched filtering GPS receiver.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,251 Inventor: Brent James Issued: Jun. 19, 2001

A grind shoe apparatus incorporating a variable friction grind platecomplementally received in the recess of the shoe sole and having adownwardly facing trough and an outwardly facing rail with respectiveslide surfaces for contacting a support surface to slide therealong.Such plate further includes at least one speed control compartmentpositioned within one of such slide surfaces and having an insertremovably carried therein for varying the frictional resistanceoccurring during sliding maneuvers.

While these devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they weredesigned, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the presentinvention, as hereinafter described.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to location detection systemsand, more specifically, to personal safety systems including a devicethat can be activated upon attachment or on demand and able to determineand transmit data related to the location of the device for monitoringat a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through theuse of proprietary software, wireless communications, wire based landcommunications and the Internet.

The personal safety system includes a central monitoring station and atleast one locator device. The locator device includes a GPS positiondevice for generating location data regarding said device andtransponder for wirelessly transmitting the location data to the centralmonitoring station.

The transponder has a receiver for receiving a location request signalfrom the central monitoring station, whereby the transponder generates aresponse signal including location information upon receipt of thelocation request signal. The central monitoring station disseminates thedata through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications,wire based land communications and the Internet.

The locator device of the present invention can be incorporated intofootwear forming an integral part therewith and in the preferredembodiment is a module that can be inserted into a preformed socketcontained within footwear. Said socket preferably made either in themidsole or heel of the footwear.

The present invention additionally provides for the locator unit to beplaced within the tongue of the footwear.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a system forlocating an individual that will overcome the shortcomings of prior artdevices.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a system forlocating an individual which is able to be remotely activated toinitiate a location mode for determining the location of the locatorunit.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a system forlocating an individual wherein a central station is able to determinethe location of a locator unit upon receipt of a location request.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a systemfor locating an individual wherein the locator units are assigned aunique identification number.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system includinga unique identification code which is used to request information on thelocation of the locator unit and thus determine the location of theperson or object to which the device is attached.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system forlocating an individual wherein the central station may continuouslymonitor via wireless communication devices said locator unit.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide alocator unit which is able to be easily attached to an object and relaylocation information to a central monitoring unit.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a personalsafety device having means for wirelessly transmitting location data tothe central monitoring station.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a personalsafety device which is activated upon attachment to the person and ableto provide information regarding location of the locator unit.

A still yet further object of the present invention is to providefootwear having the locator unit contained therein and forming anintegral part therewith.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular locatorunit including GPS location determination device, transponder andantenna.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modularlocator unit that can be inserted and removed from a socket formedwithin footwear.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide footwearhaving GPS location determination unit contained therein.

A further object of the present invention is to provide footwear havinga transponder contained therein.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide footwearhaving an antenna contained therein.

A still yet further object of the present invention is to providefootwear having a socket for the insertion therein of a locator module.

Another object of the present invention is to provide footwear having alocator module preferable positioned within the instep or heel of theshoe.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide footwearhaving a socket with spaced apart walls with locator module engagingmembers for retaining the positioning of said module.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide footwearhaving a rear wall and frontal aperture for receiving a locator modulehaving closure engaging means.

A further object of the present invention is to provide footwear havinga socket for receiving a component that forms an integral part of saidfootwear.

A yet further another object of the present invention is to providefootwear having a component including a locator unit incorporatedtherein for determining the location of the wearer.

A still yet further object of the present invention is to providefootwear having a component that can have a transponder for remotelyquerying the transponder for the GPS data.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unit having apositioning determining device and transponder for querying for thepositioning data from a module that can be exteriorly attached to ashoe.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system forlocating an individual that is simple and easy to use.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a systemfor locating an individual that is economical in cost to manufacture.

Additional objects of the present invention will appear as thedescription proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this inventionmay be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated and described within the scope of the appendedclaims.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art byproviding a modular locator unit that can be inserted into a preformedsocket whereby a central monitoring station can determine the locationof the wearer of said footwear. Additionally providing for footwearhaving a locator unit either forming an integral part therewith orexteriorly fastened thereto.

The locator unit has means for engaging the side walls of the socket andclosure means for securing the unit within said socket.

Furthermore, a locator module having a housing, fastener means,positioning determining means and transponder means for transmitting thepositioning data can be removably attached to the exterior of thefootwear.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from thedescription to follow. In the description reference is made to theaccompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detailto enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatstructural changes may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. In the accompanying drawing, like reference charactersdesignate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best definedby the appended claims.

List of Reference Numerals Utilized in the Drawings

-   10 footwear with location determination means-   12 transponder-   14 footwear-   16 mid-sole-   18 heel-   20 tongue-   22 antenna-   24 GPS-   26 determination data-   28 satellite-   30 wireless-   32 cell tower-   34 radio waves-   36 air waves-   38 location request transmission-   40 location response transmission-   42 central station-   44 Internet-   46 electronic equipment-   48 PDA-   50 laptop-   52 computer-   54 phone-   56 footwear sole-   58 mid-sole cavity-   60 cavity wall-   62 cavity top surface-   64 guide track-   66 clips-   68 GPS circuit-   70 Transponder communications

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now bedescribed, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawingin which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 2 is another illustrative view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 3 is another illustrative view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention incorporated intothe midsole of a shoe.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the locator unit removed from themidsole socket of the shoe.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the locator unit and midsole fastening meansfor attaching said locator unit.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the footwear midsole socket.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention incorporated intothe heel of a shoe.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention incorporated intothe healtongue of a shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of theinvention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussionshould not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to thoseparticular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognizenumerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scopeof the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, shown is an illustrative view of the presentinvention in use. Shown is the footwear 14 of the present inventionhaving a locator unit 12 contained therein. The transponder 12 in thepreferred embodiment is located within the midsole 16 of the footwear 14but provides for an alternate location in the heel 18 or tongue 20. Thetransponder 12 provides position determination by computationalcalculating the location using signals 26 transmitted by GPS system 24.The transponder 12 having means for receiving a location requesttransmission 38 from a central monitoring station 42 usingcommunications medium 28, 30, 32, 34,36 causes said transponder 12 toinitiate a location determination sequence by receiving signals 26 fromthe available plurality of GPS satellites 24 and computationallycalculating position determination data that will be subsequentlytransmitted to the central monitoring station 42 that can forward saiddata to subscriber communication equipment 46 comprising PDA 48, laptop50, computer 52, or phone 54 using the Internet 44.

Referring to FIG. 2, shown is another illustrative view of the presentinvention in use. Shown is the footwear 14 of the present inventionhaving a locator unit 12 contained therein. The transponder 12 havingreceived a location request transmission 38 from a central monitoringstation 42 using communications medium 28, 30, 32, 34,36 andcomputationally calculating position determination data using signals 26from the available plurality of GPS satellites 24 transmits the data 40to the central monitoring station 42 whereupon the central monitoringstation 42 can forward said data to subscriber communication equipment46 which can include PDA 48, laptop 50, computer 52, or phone 54 usingthe Internet 44.

Referring to FIG. 3, shown is another illustrative view of the presentinvention in use. The footwear transponder 12 having received a locationrequest transmission 38 from a central monitoring station 42 usingcommunications medium 28, 30, 32, 34,36 and computationally calculatingposition determination data using signals 26 from the availableplurality of GPS satellites 24 transmits the data 40 to the centralmonitoring station 42 whereupon the central monitoring station 42 canforward said data to subscriber communication equipment 46 which caninclude PDA 48, laptop 50, computer 52, or phone 54 using communicationsmedium satellite technology 28, wireless technology 30, cellulartechnology 32, technology using radio waves 34 and technology using airwaves 36.

Referring to FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the footwear 14 of thepresent invention having a transponder 12 incorporated into the midsole16. The footwear 14 has a socket 58 located in the midsole of thefootwear for inserting a modular locator unit 12. Said modular locatorunit 12 having a GPS position determination device for generatinglocation data regarding said locator unit and transponder for wirelesslytransmitting the location data 40 to the central monitoring station 42.The transponder has a receiver for receiving a location request signal38 from the central monitoring station 42, whereby the transpondergenerates a response signal 40 including location information uponreceipt of the location request signal 38.

Referring to FIG. 5, shown is a perspective view of the locationdetermination module 12 removed from the midsole 16 socket 58 of theshoe 14. The modular locator unit 12 includes a GPS unit 68 andtransponder 70 placed within a mid sole cavity 58 providing means forlocating the wearer. The modular unit 12 design consists of a portableself contained GPS 68, antenna 22 and communications module 70, that canbe housed within a nylon or plastic housing that is molded to fit intothe mid sole cavity 58. The mid-sole cavity 58 having spaced apart walls60 and top wall 62 has module 12 retaining means 64. The detachablemodular locator unit 14 is equipped with locking clips 66 to prevent itfrom accidental removal from the footwear 14. The system can additionalbe manufactured in a standalone module that can be attached to the shoeby means of hook and loop material or shoelaces.

Referring to FIG. 6, shown is a bottom view of the footwear 14 of thepresent invention having the location determination module 12 removedfrom the midsole 16 socket 58 of the shoe 14. The modular locator unit12 includes a GPS unit 68 and transponder 70 placed within a mid solecavity 58 providing means for locating the wearer. The modular unit 12design consists of a portable self contained GPS 68, antenna 22 andcommunications module 70 that can be housed within a nylon or plastichousing molded to fit into the mid sole cavity 58. The mid-sole cavity58 having spaced apart walls 60 and top wall 62 has module 12 retainingmeans 64. The detachable modular locator unit 14 is equipped withlocking clips 66 to prevent it from accidental removal from the footwear14.

Referring to FIG. 7, shown is a side view of the footwear 14 midsole 16socket 58. Shown is the footwear midsole socket 58 having spaced apartsidewalls 60 with means 64 for engaging the modular locator unit 12. Theinsertable removable locator unit 12 has means for engaging the sidewalls 60 of the socket and closure means 66 for securing the locatorunit 14 within said socket 58.

Referring to FIG. 8, shown is a perspective view of the presentinvention incorporated into the heel 18 of a shoe 14. Shown is anadditional element of the present invention wherein the footwear 14 hasa socket located in the heel 18 of the footwear for inserting a modularlocator unit 12. Said modular locator unit having a GPS positiondetermination device for generating location data regarding said locatorunit and transponder for wirelessly transmitting the location data tothe central monitoring station and an antenna. The transponder has areceiver for receiving a location request signal from the centralmonitoring station, whereby the transponder generates a response signalincluding location information upon receipt of the location requestsignal.

Referring to FIG. 9, shown is a perspective view of the presentinvention having the locator device including a GPS positiondetermination device 68 for generating location data regarding saidlocator unit and transponder 70 for wirelessly transmitting the locationdata to the central monitoring station 42 and an antenna 22 containedwith a logo exteriorly positioned on the tongue 20 of the shoe. Thetransponder has a receiver for receiving a location request signal 38from the central monitoring station 42, whereby the transponder 70generates a response signal 40 including location information uponreceipt of the location request signal 38.

1. Footwear in combination with location determination means comprising;a) footwear having a sole with a midsole; b) receiving means forreceiving broadcasted location determination signals transmitted by aGlobal Positioning System and for receiving a transmission from acentral station; c) means for computationally processing locationdeterminations signals; d) transmission means for bradcasting theresults of said computational processing; and e) a socket formed in saidmidsole for receiving a module containing said receiving means,processing means and transmission means, said module slidable in and outof said midsole so that said module has an outer surface forming part ofthe sole of said footwear when inserted into said socket, and clips onan outside of said footwear adjacent said socket to prevent said modulefrom coming out of said socket when said footwear is in use.
 2. Thesystem as recited in claim 1, wherein said transmission means iswireless.
 3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said wirelesstransmission is intended for receipt by a central station.
 4. The systemas recited in claim 3, wherein said wireless transmission uses cellulartechnology to transmit said transmission to said central station.
 5. Thesystem as recited in claim 3, wherein said wireless transmission usessatellite technology to transmit said transmission to said centralstation.
 6. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein said wirelesstransmission uses radio waves to transmit said transmission to saidcentral station.
 7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein saidmodule is assigned a unique and addressable identifier.
 8. The system asrecited in claim 7, wherein said system is passive requiring receipt ofa transmission from said central station to activate said system.
 9. Thesystem as recited in claim 8, wherein said central station can generatea response request for said module using said unique identification. 10.The system as recited in claim 9, wherein said central station responserequest energizes said location determination module to computationallyformulate location determination data.
 11. The system as recited inclaim 10, wherein said central station response request causes saidlocation determination module to transmit said location determinationdata.
 12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein said transmitteddata forms a response reply further comprising a central stationidentifier.
 13. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein said centralstation identifier provides means for said transmission to be routed tosaid central station.
 14. The system as recited in claim 13, whereinsaid system comprises a subscriber service for a user or guardian of anindividual wearing said footwear.
 15. The system as recited in claim 14,wherein the subscriber service provides the subscriber with a uniquesubscriber identifier.
 16. The system as recited in claim 15, whereinsaid subscriber having a unique subscriber identification can initiate alocation request sequence.
 17. The system as recited in claim 16,wherein the central station location determination data can be receivedby the subscriber using wireless technology.
 18. The system as recitedin claim 16, wherein the central station location determination data canbe received by the subscriber through the Internet.
 19. The system asrecited in claim 16, wherein the central station location determinationdata can be received by the subscriber through land based wiretechnology.
 20. Footwear in combination with location detection meanscomprising; a) footwear having a tongue; b) receiving means forreceiving broadcasted location determination signals transmitted by aGlobal Positioning System and for receiving a transmission from acentral station; c) means for computationally processing locationdetermination signals; d) transmission means for broadcasting theresults of said computational processing; e) said tongue incorporating amodule containing said receiving means, processing means, and saidtransmission means; and f) an antenna for said module mounted visibly onsaid tongue forming a logo for said footwear.
 21. Footwear for locatingits wearer, said footwear comprising: a sole including a socket; anupper portion fixed to said sole; a locator unit removably disposed insaid socket and operative to receive location signals from a positioningsystem and computationally process said location signals into positiondetermination data indicative of the geographical location of saidlocator unit; and a transmitter electrically coupled to said locatorunit, said transmitter operative to transmit said position determinationdata; and wherein at least a portion of said locator unit is removablyaffixed to said footwear.
 22. The footwear according to claim 21,wherein an outer surface of said locator unit forms a part of theexterior of said sole when said locator unit is positioned in saidsocket.
 23. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said socket islocated in a midsole of said sole.
 24. The footwear according to claim21, wherein said socket is located in a heel of said sole.
 25. Thefootwear according to claim 21, wherein said sole includes at least oneclip to prevent said locator unit from coming out of said socket. 26.The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said locator unit can beinserted in said socket from the outside of said footwear.
 27. Thefootwear according to claim 21, wherein said socket includes a pluralityof members that position and support said locator unit in said socket.28. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said transmittertransmits said position determination data via a wireless network. 29.The footwear according to claim 28, wherein said transmitter transmitssaid position determination data via a cellular network.
 30. A locationmodule comprising: a positioning unit operative to receive positioningsignals; a communications module to facilitate communication with acentral station; location circuitry, responsive to said positioningsignals, and operative to calculate position determination dataindicative of the geographical location of said location module; and afootwear engaging device facilitating selective attachment of saidlocation module to footwear, said footwear engaging device beingdesigned to engage a socket formed in said footwear.
 31. A locationmodule according to claim 30, further comprising a molded housing thatforms a portion of the exterior of a sole of said footwear when saidlocation module is positioned in said socket.
 32. Footwear for locatingits wearer, said footwear comprising: a sole; an upper portion fixed tosaid sole; a locator unit for receiving location signals from apositioning system and processing said location signals into positiondetermination data indicative of the geographical location of saidlocator unit; and a transmitter for transmitting said positiondetermination data; and means for removably disposing said locator unitin a socket of said footwear.
 33. A method of locating footwear, saidmethod comprising: providing footwear with a sole and an upper portionfixed to said sole; providing a locator unit operative to receivelocation signals from a positioning system and computationally processsaid location signals into position determination data indicative of thegeographical location of said locator unit; providing a transmitterelectrically coupled to said locator unit and operative to transmit saidposition determination data to a predetermined receiver; and removablyaffixing at least a portion of said locator unit to said footwear byinserting said locator unit into a socket formed in said sole.
 34. Amethod according to claim 33, wherein inserting said locator unit into asocket formed in said sole includes inserting said locator unit intosaid socket from outside of said footwear.
 35. Footwear for locating itswearer, said footwear comprising: a sole; an upper portion fixed to saidsole; a locator unit operative to receive location signals from apositioning system and computationally process said location signalsinto position determination data indicative of the geographical locationof said locator unit; an antenna electrically coupled to said locatorunit; and a transmitter electrically coupled to said locator unit, saidtransmitter operative to transmit said position determination data; andwherein at least a portion of said locator unit is removably affixed tosaid footwear; and said antenna is releasably attached to said footwear.36. Footwear for locating its wearer, said footwear comprising: a sole;an upper portion fixed to said sole; a locator unit operative to receivelocation signals from a positioning system and computationally processsaid location signals into position determination data indicative of thegeographical location of said locator unit; an antenna electricallycoupled to said locator unit; and a transmitter electrically coupled tosaid locator unit, said transmitter operative to transmit said positiondetermination data; and wherein at least a portion of said locator unitis removably affixed to said footwear; and said antenna forms at least aportion of a logo affixed to said upper portion of said footwear.
 37. Amethod of locating footwear, said method comprising: providing footwearwith a sole and an upper portion fixed to said sole; providing a locatorunit operative to receive location signals from a positioning system andcomputationally process said location signals into positiondetermination data indicative of the geographical location of saidlocator unit; providing a transmitter electrically coupled to saidlocator unit and operative to transmit said position determination datato a predetermined receiver; and removably affixing said locator unit tothe exterior of said footwear.
 38. A method according to claim 37,wherein: providing said locator unit includes providing said locatorunit with an engaging structure; providing said footwear includesproviding said footwear with a complementary engaging structureconfigured to engage the engaging structure of said locator unit; andremovably affixing at least a portion of said locator unit to theexterior of said footwear includes engaging said engaging structure ofsaid locator unit with said complementary engaging structure of saidfootwear.
 39. Footwear for locating its wearer, said footwearcomprising: a sole; an upper portion fixed to said sole; a locator unitincluding a engaging structure and being operative to receive locationsignals from a positioning system and computationally process saidlocation signals into position determination data indicative of thegeographical location of said locator unit; a transmitter electricallycoupled to said locator unit, said transmitter operative to broadcastsaid position determination data; and a complementary engaging structureconfigured to engage said engaging structure of said locator unit; andwherein at least a portion of said locator unit is removably affixed tosaid footwear by engaging said engaging structure of said locator unitwith said complementary engaging structure of said footwear.